Romania Self Drive 3 - The Undiscovered North

Time for more sightseeing in Cluj (particularly if your arrival on day 1 was late in the day).

We will deliver your hire car to your hotel at a time of your choosing for you to head south or west to visit the Apuseni Mountains National Park. As well as some stunning walks there are some fabulous caves (e.g. the famous Bears' Cave) and Karst scenery abounds. If you have time we suggest a visit to the incredible Salt Mine at Turda (just a short drive to the south on the new highway).

If you wish to explore the wild Apuseni National park further then we can add an extra night in Cluj or you may like to consider spending time near the national park itself, such as Arieseni or Belis.

From Cluj in the northwest of Transylvania we suggest driving north through the hills to Dej and then entering into Maramures county via its main town, Baia Mare (two route options available). Afterwards the road takes you over the Gutai Mountains to the frontier town of Sighetu Marmatiei, just across the river from the Ukraine. Settle in for a traditional night in this remote part of Romania.

After breakfast we would recommend a short drive west to visit the unique Merry Cemetery in the village of Sapanta; on your return to Sighet you may wish to look in at the excellent Museum to the Victims of Communism, housed in a former prison in the centre of town. Your afternoon is likely to be taken up with visits into the surrounding countryside to see both the stunning scenery and the wonderful wooden churches, primarily in the Iza valley. Don't miss a chance to see the impressive collection of buildings at the Barsana Monastery, known as the "Holy Mother's Entrance", and many other UNESCO listed locations such as Ieud and Rozavlea.

** depending upon your schedule on day 3 you may be able to include some of the above places a day earlier to share out the sightseeing.

On this day we have included a fabulous experience, a chance to leave the car for the morning and travel on the steam train through the Vaser Valley, from Viseu to Paltin. The railway line passes through the most spectacular landscape and includes a picnic lunch at Paltin.

In the mid afternoon return to Viseu to begin a relatively short drive south via Nasaud to Bistrita, made famous by its association with the journey of Jonathan Harker in Bram Stoker's Dracula.

After a short visit of Bistrita you have the day to travel slowly over the incredible Tihuta Pass, you may even consider a lunch break at Dracula's Castle Hotel near the top. Coming down from the pass you will encounter Vatra Dornei a spa town which has not yet been redeveloped from its communist days. Just a little further along you come to the simple and charming village of Vama where we recommend staying for 2 nights to allow you to explore the region at a relaxed pace.

You may have time today to visit some of the world famous painted monasteries but why not relax in the friendly surroundings of your guest house and leave the sightseeing for tomorrow.

From Vama it is easy to arrange a circuit of the main monasteries. Moldovita (UNESCO) dating back to 1532 has the aspect of a fortress and Sucevita, the last and the most magnificent monastic achievement among the painted monasteries in Bucovina is also a great place for a traditional lunch. The next painted monastery you should visit is Voronet, the "Eastern Sistine Chapel" where the dominant colour is the famous "Voronet Blue" and finally, Humor Monastery, dating from 1530, which has red as its dominant colour.

In the afternoon it is possible to do some hiking or we could arrange for a demonstration of egg-painting – an old tradition from Bucovina and to take a horse-drawn carriage around Vama and meet the naturally hospitable local people.

Day 8 -  a visit to Bucovina's capital, Suceava, and then head south to Piatra Neamt. Along the way you might wish to visit the Agapia and Varatec monasteries - Agapia is one of Romania's largest convents with 350 nuns, well known thanks to its carpet and embroidery workshops. Varatec Monastery is a newer monastic settlement, which has a museum that hosts many valuable religious objects and books mostly made by nuns. Your route could also continue its journey to Tarpesti, where you could visit the house of the popular artist Nicolae Popa, author of the famous ceremonial masks and enjoy a traditional lunch.

Day 9 - on your free day in this area we can suggest some hiking in the Bicaz Gorge and Ceahlau mountains, enjoy a visit to the refurbished historic centre of Piatra Neamt with a ride in the cable car and generally immerse yourself in the local cuisine and way of life.

A relatively short drive through the lovely Moldavian countryside will bring you to the capital of this region, Iasi. The city is full of historical treasures and a youthful atmosphere, just like Cluj, Iasi is a big university town. Iasi has an air of sophistication, its main sights include the Church of the Three Hierarchs, the huge Metropolitan cathedral, the Palace of Culture, the Museum of the Union and some fabulous monasteries overlooking the city from surrounding hills.

Depending upon flight time - free time to explore city and then drive to Iasi Airport for your flight home (directly or via Bucharest).

** The final few days on this itinerary can be easily adjusted if your flight schedule works out better to depart from Suceava or Bacau.